World Hydrography Day: Why does it matter what lies beneath the surface of the UK's waters?

Deep, dark and isolated. And far from what you would describe as an ideal holiday spot; the depths of our seas are known as remote and hostile environments for us – so why would it matter what lies at the bottom of them?

And why is collaboration the key to unlocking those secrets?

Hydrography, the science that measures and describes the physical features of our oceans and seas and adjoining coastal areas, is vital in ensuring navigational safety for mariners – The UK’s shores are littered by many a vessel left to its fate after discovering the hidden dangers lurking below the surface of the water.

Head of Hydrography and Meteorology at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Andrew Colenutt tells us that the MCA funds and manages the UK Civil Hydrography Programme (CHP), which is responsible for surveying the areas of highest navigational safety risk to provide the most up-to-date nautical charts, publications and maritime safety information. The UK also delivers its international Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) obligations with regard to navigation safety through the CHP.

Although the CHP is the largest seabed mapping programme in the UK, the team also collaborate with a wide range of partners to coordinate seabed mapping operations, survey planning, and improve data quality.

Andrew said that establishing partnerships across government alongside the maritime sector is vital as it ‘optimises public expenditure by sharing the costs of undertaking seabed mapping surveys for areas of mutual interest’.

“Working together results in the expansion of survey capability and maximises the efficient use of public-funded survey assets, data and resources, to realise value for money,” he added.

Seabed mapping extract from the Summer Isles to Stoerhead CHP survey completed in 2020. Further details below.


Providing accurate, high resolution and freely available datasets of the bathymetry – the composition of the seabed – as well as the mobility of the sediments, underpins a broad ray of maritime applications that are beneficial to government and industry.

The most up-to-date data informs both the conservation and protection of marine environments, assists the offshore renewable energy sector and maritime industries, and provides foundation information for marine spatial planning. Such datasets, coupled with marine geological products such as seamless onshore to offshore geological maps, sediment type and distribution maps, provide key information on location and condition of the existing national critical infrastructure (for example, cable routes, pipelines, connectors, dredging and disposal sites), and enables detailed assessments to be made to inform decisions regarding positioning and impacts of future developments and activities.

The richness of the seabed datasets also provides foundational baselines for the sustainable use of marine resources, assessment of underwater archaeology and heritage. Seabed mapping in the coastal zone also contributes valuable data and information for the management and design of shoreline and coastal defences, assessments of flood risk to coastal communities and ports.

Further information about the survey image

Colour key. RED = shallow (~2m) through to BLUE = deepest (~150m).

The area was identified as a high navigation safety risk based on factors such as the age and quality of the historic survey data; the current volume of marine traffic and leisure craft transiting through the area and the predicted increased level of traffic in the future.

The mosaic of extensive shallow rocky areas and deeper offshore channel results in complex interactions between tidal currents and how waves propagate in the area. Having a better understanding of the sea conditions in this area will help inform mariners of how to plan their journeys and, ultimately, avoid the dangers just below the surface.

Considering a career change?

Hydrography is a truly fascinating career that can bring new challenges and unexpected results – and there are hundreds of ways to get involved. You do not necessarily have to have a background in hydrography to join the team, there are plenty of opportunities in administrative roles and programme management.

If you would like to know more about the available opportunities, email: Andrew.colenutt@mcga.gov.uk as well as hydrography@mcga.gov.uk and CHP_MCA@mcga.gov.uk.

You can also find information at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-civil-hydrography-programme-chp

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